The Municipality of Paralimni-Deryneia on Friday called on authorities to immediately remove seven migrant accommodation structures from its tourist zone and requested reinforcement of policing.

“We denounce the unacceptable actions of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare and the International Organization for Migration in relation to the operation of seven migrant accommodation structures within the municipality’s tourist zone,” it said in its statement.

This municipality had raised the issue at a meeting with the police, the social welfare office, and the international organisation for migration.

“The presence of these structures in a predominantly tourist area causes a chain of problems, as increased incidents of delinquent behavior are recorded,” the municipality said.

These included increased burglaries and thefts during last year’s tourist season, which are officially recorded by the police as committed by residents of the facilities, the municipality said.

“Tourism and the economic development of our country cannot be jeopardized by poor planning and wrong decisions. Our region is a key pillar of Cyprus’ tourism product, accounting for almost 50 per cent of total tourist arrivals and contributing a huge percentage to [the country’s] GDP.”

“Maintaining the quality of life of residents and-above all-the safety of visitors must be an absolute priority,” the municipality said.

The municipality demanded “the immediate removal of the facilities and a substantial reinforcement of policing with immediate implementation of effective measures to protect residents and businesses.”